Learning to Drive
Before you start you need to have a provisional driving licence.
Apply online here - https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence.You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.
You’ll need to provide:
An identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport
Addresses where you’ve lived over the last 3 years
Your National Insurance number if you know it
You’ll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you’ve applied. You might be asked to take part in research by email, but you can opt out.
Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online. It may take longer if DVLA need to make additional checks.
Other ways to apply. You can apply by post. Fill in form D1 available from the DVLA form ordering service and certain Post Office branches.
Make your cheque or postal order payable to DVLA (do not send cash).
You’ll also need to include:
an identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport
a colour passport-style photograph
You must send original documents.
Send your application and payment to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD - if all your documents are from the UK
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AF - if any of your documents are from outside the UK
Your provisional licence should arrive within 3 weeks. Contact DVLA if it has not arrived by then.
Theory Test
Your driving theory test is set by the DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency) and must be passed before booking your practical driving test.
The theory test consists of 50 multiple choice questions taken on a touch screen computer, some of which may have more than one correct answer. You must score 43 out of 50 to pass.
The second part, referred to as the Hazard Perception test, introduces you to 15 driving film clips. Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 score-able hazards. Using the mouse button, you click whenever you think you can see a hazard developing. The speed at which you click the mouse button as a hazard develops will determine your score for that particular hazard perception clip. You can score between 0 and 5 on each hazard. The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75.
For more details you can visit www.gov.uk/driving-theory-test
Practical Test
On the day of the practical driving test I will pick you up and you will drive to the test centre. Prior to the practical test you will undertake an eye test and answer a “Tell Me” question. The practical test takes 35-45 minutes with an examiner from the test centre. During your drive you are allowed no dangerous or serious faults and a maximum of 15 minor errors.
The nearest test centres to us are Musselburgh and Currie (Edinburgh). To sit the test you are required to bring your driving licence.
For more details you can visit www.gov.uk/practical-driving-test-for-cars
